Global Average Calories Burned Per Day
Last updated: February 21, 2026
2,200 kcal
kcal/day
The global average daily calorie expenditure is approximately 2,200 kcal. Men average ~2,500 kcal and women ~1,900 kcal. Physical activity accounts for 15-30% of total expenditure.
Historical Trend
Source: WHO
Why This Average Exists
Understanding caloric expenditure helps address the global obesity epidemic by comparing energy intake vs output across populations.
Factors That Affect Global Average Calories Burned Per Day
- Body weight and composition
- Physical activity
- Metabolic rate
- Age
- Climate
- Occupation type
Methodology & Data Sources
The data presented on this page is compiled from publicly available datasets published by international organizations including the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations, NASA, and national statistical agencies.
Global averages are calculated using population-weighted or arithmetic means depending on the metric. Country-level data reflects the most recent available figures, typically from 2024–2024. Where gaps exist, the latest available data point is used.
All figures are subject to revision as source organizations update their datasets. For the most authoritative data, we encourage consulting the original sources linked in the table above.
Further Reading
- Global Average Calorie Intake— 2,960 kcal kcal/day
- Global Average Obesity Rate— 16% %
- Global Average Exercise Frequency— 2.8 days days/week
- Global Average Steps Per Day— 4,961 steps/day
- Global Average Height— 165 cm cm
- Global Average Male Height— 171 cm cm
- Global Average Female Height— 159 cm cm
- Global Average Breastfeeding Age— 2.5 years years